Dog Training

 

We offer several options for training

Find the program that works best for you, your schedule, and your dog!

Classes are non-refundable!

PRIVATE LESSONS: Here at Bear Brook Kennel we offer private dog training where your dog can work one-on-one with our qualified trainers. Lessons will typically take place at night, or when it is most convenient for you. Not only are we focusing on bettering your dog's behavior, but we are also teaching you how to handle and promote better behavior. Lessons are one hour. $75 per session. We are able to work on any desired behavior. 

DAY TRAINING PROGRAM: Clients will drop off their dogs in the morning (8:30 am) and pick them up in the afternoon (1:00 pm). Trainers at Bear Brook Kennel will work with your dog throughout the day. There will be various one-on-one sessions that cover basic obedience, good manners, and socialization. Your dog will be learning throughout the day, and will be ready for a nap when they get home! $60 a day.

BOARD & TRAIN PROGRAM: Do you need to board your dog for a certain period of time, but want them to learn while they are here? Well, this is the program for you! Your dog will work with the trainers here at Bear Brook Kennel for multiple sessions each day. Not only will they get more time out of the kennel, but they will work on behavioral issues, basic obedience, and mental stimulation games. $50 a day, on top of the original boarding price.

BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASSES: Basic obedience classes are a 5-week group class on weekdays at 5:30 PM. We teach the basic commands as well as lessons on building confidence and body handling. These include sit, down, stay, leave it, recall, and leash walking. We allow 6 dogs in each class, so every pet and owner gets the attention needed. We teach a group lesson and do group activities based on the lesson as well as offering a chance for each owner to get personalized time with the trainers. This class is $200 for 5 weeks.

INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE CLASSES: These classes are also 5 weeks long and we allow 6 dogs in each class. Our Intermediate obedience training classes are the next step up from our Basic Obedience Class. Although we may go over the basics in the first class, we will then up the level of command difficulty, distractions, and mental stimulation. This class requires a strong sit, down, stay, and focus. The class will also be in a group setting with other dogs and owners. $220 for 5 weeks. We require either you to take basic obedience class before this one, or an evaluation done by our trainers.

ADVANCED OBEDIENCE CLASSESThis course runs for 5 weeks and is the next step after Intermediate obedience. This course works on getting our dogs ready for the real world, as well as preparing for being off leash in certain environments. We work on advanced commands and focus around distractions. This course is $220 for 5 weeks.

THERAPY DOG PREP CLASSESClasses will expose each dog team to something new every week such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc. Trainers will provide education to the handlers of what each therapy dog team needs to know to be successful. Advanced commands will be taught throughout the five week course as well as being able to follow through doorways and tight spaces and chin targeting. We will review the basic commands at the beginning of each class to warm up the handler/dog team but it is recommended that the dogs have a solid understanding of all basic obedience commands.

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATION: You and your pup will be evaluated on ten different test item to prove your dog is a responsible and good citizen. This evaluation costs $25 and typically only lasts 30-40 minutes. You and your dog are allowed to have 10 minutes to prepare before hand, however during the evaluation you will be tested on your dogs ability to complete the tasks at hand without any treats. 

Photos from our last Therapy Prep Class where the pups learned all about new medical equipment and how to be a healing friend for people in need!

 

Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience class sign-ups are starting!

Classes run for 5 consecutive weeks: $200 Prepay for Basic Obedience & $220 Prepay for Intermediate and advanced!

Please call for details  (207) 989-7979

CLASSES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE!

Basic Obedience - $200      Intermediate Obedience - $220    Advanced Obedience - $220

     

What You Should Know Before Attending Training Class

  • All classes must be paid for in advance to hold your spot and are non-refundable.

  • We train with balanced training methods with a focus on positive reinforcement.

  • Treats need to be soft and breakable with a lot of odor. 

  • A buckle or snap collar, with a six-foot or shorter leash is all you need for equipment(no retractable leashes)

  • Bring the family! Whoever is not working with the dog at the moment can watch and learn from the sidelines. We prefer only one handler to work with the dog per class.

NOW OFFERING: AKC CGC Test

The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society. Based on you and your dog’s training needs, you have multiple options to get started. 
CGC is open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed. There are no age minimums or limits for participating in the Canine Good Citizen program, because yes, you can always teach an old dog new tricks!

Test 1 : Accepting a friendly stranger

Test 2 : Sitting politely for petting

Test 3 : Appearance and grooming

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

Test 6: Sit and down on cue and stay in place

Test 7: Coming when called

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

  • Test 10: Supervised separation

Five basic rewards in dog training

  1. Food (Treats or Kibble)

  2. Verbal Praise ("Yes")

  1. Physical Praise (Petting)

  2. Toys (Favorite ball)

  1. Free Time

Registration for Our Classes

Vaccinations and Payment

For our classes, we do require all dogs have up to date Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccines. We need to see proof of these before the first day of class. You can bring them in any time before classes start or you can have your vet fax or email them to us.

We also require prepayment for the class before the first day of class. Prepayment puts your name on the class roster and holds your spot in the class - without prepayment, there is no guarantee that there will be room for you in the class and your name does not go onto the class roster.

We do need to get some information about you and your dog for our computer system so we do need you to contact us in some way before the first night of class to get you set up with an account and get your payment and vaccines taken care of. If you or your pet has never been here before, you will have to register you and your dog online.

MEET OUR TRAINERS 

Both of our trainers are CPDT-KA certified as of April 2023!

Giovanna has had a passion for dogs since she was young. Volunteering at the humane society in 2018 with problematic dogs opened her eyes to the world of training. She began shadowing in 2020 with the previous certified trainer here at Bear Brook. She has since then moved onto teaching her own private lessons and group classes and has gained immense hands-on experience with a wide variety of dogs. Giovanna's goal in training is to help create a strong relationship between owners and their pets. She has received her title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer and is also a certified evaluator for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test.   
Catie is our other trainer. She began shadowing group classes here at Bear Brook since 2021 while studying at the Unity for Animal Health and Behavior. Catie is hardworking and devoted to getting all the experience she needs to become a trainer that focuses on the needs of the pet and owner. She is passionate in helping all families and their pets. Catie is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. 
                                                               
             

Meet some of our graduates!